Kathy Dahlin presented the first-place men’s tournament trophy to the winning team (left to right): Ernie Nedder, Kathy Dahlin, Amanda Dahlin, Bill Oprish, Stan Doepke, and Dave Blaess.
The Unit 8A Rick Dahlin Memorial Golf Tournament participants: (front, left to right): John Whitehead and Clarke Latimer; middle: Bob Townsend, Dave Blaess, Sam Calbone, Tim Pooler, Tom Tossey, Ernie Needed, Bill Oprish, and Karl Knight; back: Stan Doepke, Rick Weiland, Rich Osterlund, Frank Sherfy, Roy Thompson, and Bob Authur
Bob Authur
The Unit 8A men held their third annual Rick Dahlin Memorial Golf Tournament on Nov. 12, at the Saddlebrooke Ranch golf course. This tournament is in memory of Rick Dahlin, a good neighbor, golfer, and friend who was instrumental in starting the first Unit 8A men’s tournament in April 2018.
The tournament followed the end of reseed, so course conditions were gradually improving from the winter preparation work. On the other hand, the wind also showed up to play, and the gusts presented just another challenge for the sixteen participants. To help out, each player received a starting packet consisting of a sleeve of golf balls—certainly two more balls than anyone really needed—some tees, and other assorted items.
The tournament was designed so everyone could enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie with other unit golfers who they may not play with on a regular basis. The format was a best ball scramble, played from the rust tees, with foursomes matched according to handicaps and frequency of play. The team score was the total of the best shots for each hole.
After the tournament, all players, spouses, and other residents of Unit 8A, met at the Bistro for refreshments and friendship. Prizes were awarded to the first and second place teams and for closest to the pin and longest drive. The first-place team, however, also carried away the much-regarded Unit 8A Men’s Team Trophy.
At six-under par, the first-place team of Bill Oprish, Dave Blaess, Ernie Nedder, and Stan Doepke took home the grand prize, the trophy, and this year’s bragging rights. Following closely was the second-place team of John Whitehead, Rick Weiland, Bob Townsend, and Bob Authur at four-under par. Tim Pooler won closest to the pin with a tee shot that, according to many, was “…only inches away from the hole.” Dave Blaess won longest drive.Despite everyone having a good amount of fun, it was clear that competition is increasing for the coveted team trophy.
Special thanks go to Kathy Dahlin for her continued support of the men’s tournament and donating several prizes. Thanks also to Rich Osterlund for putting together the team composition and Stan Doepke for preparing the starting packets for all golfers.